Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 06, 2018

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

LINDO CREEK INVESTIGATIONS: SEEKING CLOSURE It was the announcement the nation was waiting for, especially those who lost love ones in the extra-judicial killings at the turn of the century. In keeping with a commitment made by President Granger while in opposition, the government announced that it would establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the spate of murders which occurred between 2000 and 2007. The goal is to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice for their barbaric actions. Hundreds of persons, including some police officers have died during the unprecedented crime wave while Bharrat Jagdeo was president. It was the worst crime wave in the history of Guyana. Among those who died were some high profile officials including the former PPP Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow ‘Sash Sawh; Leon Fraser, Head of the Police Force’s Target Special Squad on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway; Vibert Inniss, Deputy Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, in Buxton; and political activist and talk-show host Ron Waddell, to name a few. There were also mass killings in Agricola, Bartica, Lindo Creek, Lusignan and elsewhere. At Eccles, five printing press operators from Kaieteur News were murdered on August 8, 2006. This month marks the 10th anniversary when gunmen descended on the village of Lusignan killing 11 persons, including five children, and injuring several others. Not only were persons killed, but many including the United States Embassy Regional Security Officer, Steven Lesniak, were kidnapped as well as a number of water utility workers. During that period, Guyanese drug lord, Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan who was convicted and jailed in the United States, was caught with several ex-policemen in a bullet proof vehicle with high-powered guns and sophisticated telephone wiretapping equipment that is only sold with government authorization. Khan told Kaieteur News that his involvement was to prevent the overthrow of the Bharrat Jagdeo regime. This government believes that the crimes have not been explained and the memories have not been erased. While in government, former President Bharrat Jagdeo had resisted repeated calls by the opposition to establish a COI. His administration had refused to explain to the nation the hundreds of lives lost including the assassination of its own Minister of Agriculture. It was alleged that the then Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj who had been widely accused of facilitating a State-sponsored death squad had turned a blind eye to the crime spree. Even though he insisted that whatever he did was done within the confines of the law, yet he was later cleared of those allegations by a Commission of Inquiry. In reality, there was a minority decision in that inquiry. Gajraj resigned under intense Western diplomatic pressure and was posted to India as Guyana’s High Commissioner until the defeat of the PPP in the May 2015 general elections. Now that a Commission of Inquiry into the extra-judicial killing of hundreds of persons during a six-year period is just days away, the opposition leader and other PPP officials are contending that the commission may be tainted by the appointment of the father of a sitting Government Minister. According to Jagdeo, the PPP has nothing to hide and could provide information to the COI to show that the killings were politically motivated by members of the current government to prevent the joint security forces from pursuing the criminals. It is clear that the country has been scarred by the violence, which left a lingering legacy of distrust of politicians and the security forces. Meanwhile monuments have been erected at Bartica, Buxton and Eve Leary in memory of the victims.

EDITORIAL

Venezuela must respect Guyana’s sovereign and territorial integrity DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is being tormented by a dictator, who is trying to seize over 3/4 of its territory. He is Venezuela’s “President,” Nicolás Maduro. Mainstream media has described him as that despot, especially following his suspension of the recall movement that was directed against him. Following the 2017 Venezuelan Constitutional Assembly election, the United States sanctioned Maduro, freezing his U.S. assets and prohibited him from entering the country, deeming him what he is - a dictator. Maduro manipulated the corrupt Supreme Court, which now systematically bows to him, to bar the opposition coalition from fielding a candidate under its banner, and banned several prominent opposition figures from participating, tactics designed to engineer a second term for him. While many welcome the United Nations initiative to refer the protracted territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court), who will re-adjudicate this long standing international dispute, and determine a binding judicial decree only if Venezuela consents, we are mindful that Maduro will reject, delay and/or undermine this process.

International pressure must be brought on Maduro to accept and respect the ICJ’s decision, and previous agreements. The UN, and Maduro, must be mindful that a quick legal synopsis highlights the fact that Maduro’s claims have no merit, and is an attempt to sabotage the due process of international law. The “full and final” 1899 Arbitral Award kept Guyana intact, and is binding on both parties, and their successors, which includes Maduro. The matter is therefore “res judicata” or judicially settled and completed since 1899 in Guyana’s favour. Indeed, Venezuela had accepted the 1899 award as a final settlement of the border dispute even as late as 1941, when the Venezuelan minister of foreign affairs, Esteban Gil Borges, agreed that the frontier with British Guiana was well defined and was a closed issue. Venezuela’s belated claim is therefore moot, null and void in law, and cannot be reopened, especially since it waived its rights to any relief therefrom for over 50 years, while Guyana strengthened its prescriptive rights, and it cannot now unilaterally pronounce that the award was “null and void.” Can you imagine a world where centuries-old conflicts and rivalries are allowed to be

resurrected? The UN Secretary General may have erred in his decision to send an already adjudicated matter to the World Court, especially since Venezuela’s consent is necessary for their decision to be binding on it. Guyana, like dozens of smaller countries, does not have the military capability or the war mongering mentality to defend itself or pick fights against international bullies like Venezuela. Moreover, Venezuela’s belated 1949 claims has its genesis in a dubious memorandum written by Severo Mallet-Prevost, one of the lawyers who presented the Venezuelan case before the arbitral tribunal in 1899, and who claimed that the award which settled the boundary between Venezuela and Guyana in 1899 was a result of a “political deal” between Great Britain and Russia, where a Russian Judge was the Chairman of the five-member arbitral tribunal, and was somehow manipulated. Worse yet, Severo refused to make his memorandum public and instructed that it should not be published until after his death, which belies the accuracy of the document, already bereft of reliability, and compromised by the fact that the most senior lawyer who argued the Venezuelan case, former US President Benjamin Harrison, in

none of his writings, mentioned any of the Severo allegations. Additionally, the 1899 agreement is corroborated by the ratification of the Treaty of Washington back in 1897 by the Venezuelan Congress, and Maduro’s present actions contravene his country’s own legislative history. These outrageous claims were already rendered moot when Dr. Marcos Falcon Briceno, Minister of External Relations of Venezuela, conceded at another meeting of the UN Special Committee on November 12, 1962, that his country was not asking the UN to pass judgement on the substance of his country’s claim, but was merely putting on record the reasons why Venezuela could not recognize the 1899 Award as valid. The “Geneva Agreement”, the basis of the UN Secretary General’s decision, was hammered out in negotiations on February 16-17, 1966, between Britain, Venezuela and British Guiana, and it basically negated Venezuela’s claim from advancing. Venezuela’s government must have the decency and maturity to accept the 1899 agreement, more so because this course of action was mutually agreed to by both countries, and was already settled (Continued on page 6)

This “Aviation Operative” source is distorting information while exercising personal animosity DEAR EDITOR, Kaieteur News headlined story (Sunday 4th February 2018) “Ogle pays Govt. US$6 per acre but rents to Operators for over US$6000 per acre” is grossly misleading. This is the fourth report in Kaieteur News targeting the airport from an unnamed “Aviation Operative”. It’s nice to be in a position to manipulate public perception and not be challenged. It is strange that Kaieteur News continues to print headlines from this “Aviation Operative” source without first checking with OAI, aiding and abetting the agenda of the Aviation Operative, so perhaps in the interest of readers following these deliberate attacks on the integrity of the Company, let us reveal some facts which may be relevant: 1. President of NATA, Annette Arjoon-Martins’ brother, Mazahar Ally, Managing Director of ASL was a Member of the Board and was actively involved in vetting and approving OAI’s existing land lease rates and which have not changed since then.

2. Three Members of NATA, ASL, JAGS and Hopkinson, after protracted discussions agreed to the Board approved rates and paid down on new airside land leases, ASL ultimately gave up their lease and was refunded. 3. Annette Arjoon-Martins, President of NATA, is well aware that OAI’s payment to the Government for land includes a percentage rental of 5% of the Gross Revenue of the Airport and far exceeds the US$6 per acre quoted by the unnamed “Aviation Operative”. This also means that the Land Lease becomes more costly as the Airport grows. 4. OAI’s rates to operators are founded on the substantial development of the infrastructure supporting the leased land and it is ridiculous to make a comparison to a basic land lease rate. 5. OAI’s existing land lease revenue barely covers the cost of the land lease obligations to the GOG and its revenue is far from representing making ‘a kill’.

6. Both the AOAG and NATA have Members who are on the Board of OAI and have access to privileged Board information and all the above information is known to both Organisations. It is clear then that “Aviation Operative” source who has access to the same information is dishonestly distorting it while exercising personal animosity to the Airport and deliberately manipulating the facts to damage the reputation of the Company. These attempts will fail, as they have failed in the past, because the public is not blind. The fact is the Eugene F. Correia International Airport serves a vital and essential role in National Development, supporting, as it does CARICOM, the Government of Guyana development programme, the Mining, Timber, Oil and Tourism industries as well as domestic and regional travel for the general public located conveniently close to our Capital City and enjoyed by them. The E.F.C International

Airport has to cater and balance all of these interests at the same time, so it may not be in a position at all times to please every operator, as the standards required for international operations increase over time. Yours Sincerely Ogle Airport Inc. EDITOR’S NOTE Kaieteur News is pleased that OAI has seen it fit to acknowledge and respond to the article quoted in the letter highlighting important concerns regarding the use of state assets. However, this newspaper had hoped that OAI would have dealt with the issue at hand. Instead, the company opted to concern itself more with trying to ascertain and verify the newspaper’s source. This newspaper is known for investigative reporting. The lopsided arrangement where operators are made to pay several times more than what OAI is paying to the government for state property is still to be addressed.

Tuesday February 06, 2018

The fact of the matter is the contract is a bad one DEAR EDITOR, Dr. Clive Thomas in his Column “Cost Recovery and the Fiscal Terms of Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement” of Sunday February 4 stated that “judging from the public debate, so far, the most contentions public issue has been the level at which recovery cost is to be calculated and administered”. This is deliberately misleading and definitely not true. In fact, the public debate in the Exxon/Esso Agreement has focused primarily on the secrecy, illegalities, improprieties and absurdities of both the 1999 and 2016 Agreements. The debate actually started with the reluctance of the APNU+AFC Government to release the Agreements and the whole business of the $18M US signing bonus. Dr. Thomas must be aware that the 2016 Prospecting Licence and the Bridging Deed designed to link the 1999 Agreement signed by Janet Jagan and the 2016 Agreement signed by Minister Trotman have not yet been released. Dr. Thomas, as a high government official, may wish to bring his influence as Presidential Advisor to have the documents released. The 2016 Agreement which replaced the 1999 Agreement repeats and expands the number of violations of the Petroleum Act.

This should cause every Guyanese grave concern. The violations include: 1. The granting of 600 Blocks for exploration when the Act provides for a limit of 60, other than in exceptional circumstances. 2. The 17 years that it took for Exxon/Esso to declare a discovery of commercial quantities when the Act provides for a maximum period of 10 years 6 months for exploration, after which blocks have to be relinquished. 3. The problem of the 2% Royalty is hotly contested. It is unconscionably low, less than every other comparable country. 4. The now infamous signature bonus over which so many lies have been spoken, is compounded by placing these funds in a secret account at the Bank of Guyana the Government knowingly violated Article 216 of the Guyana Constitution. 5. Exxon/Esso is permitted to not carry any independent insurance, making it nearly impossible for anyone to make a proper claim against them for damages when the spills occur, which they most certainly do as happens all over the world in this industry. 6. Exxon/ Esso has not provided a Performance Board to cover default on

their obligations. This is a requirement of the Act. 7. The Exxon/Esso has failed to provide, ahead of receiving a mysteriously new prospecting licence, definitive and satisfactory plans for training and hiring of local staff and for procurement of goods and services in Guyana required by law. 8. In order to carry out any audit, the Minister is required to give 7 days’ notice to visit the site and to do so at his own expense. 9. In a challenge to Guyana’s sovereignty, Exxon/Esso demanded that the agreement be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic, “appropriate” rules of international law, plus “generally accepted customs and usages of the international Petroleum industry”, whatever that means. Does anyone know where these customs and usages are codified so we can read them? 10. An absurdity of no mean order is set out blatantly in Article 6 the PSA dealing with delegation of Ministerial responsibility. While the agreement acknowledges the power of the Minister to delegate some of his functions (why this is Exxon’s business is a mystery) - it goes on to say in Article 6.2 (a) that there are five functions that (Continued on page 6)

Possible oil contract risks and associated solutions DEAR EDITOR, According to Section 32 of the released contract, it is clear that in the event of an oil spill, the contractors Hess, Esso (Exxon) and CNOOC Nexen will be responsible for the clean-up and associated costs of an oil spill. However, it is still the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that clear provisions are made based on the environmental impact assessment in the case of such an event. The contract outlines the usage of US$300,000 for annual environmental projects, but does not make clear what has been set aside in the event of an oil spill. This is an area of opportunity, as in the event of an oil spill, it is not clear what impact this will have on resulting profit sharing. A financial provision for such an event could possibly be carried on the government’s books, thus safeguarding a section of the earnings for such an event. Creation of such a liability in ExxonMobil’s books may not be possible given existing

accounting rules, however this should be discussed and further investigated. Another point that could be further clarified is whether 100% of these costs will be considered as operating costs or categorised in such a way that it only impacts the contractors’ portion of the profits - thus creating a liability for the contractor in the event of a spill. This is important to ascertain given the current level of risk sharing in such an event; that is to say, the portion of operational control held by the contractor is significantly higher than that of Guyana. However, it should be noted that in Section 8 there is a requirement for training of Guyanese nationals with the involvement of the GGMC to ensure the safety of petroleum operations. Given the possible evolution of involvement by the Government in the future, it will become a bit more ambiguous as to how much fiscal responsibility could be placed on the Government for the cleanup cost of an oil spill, as would be reflected in

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the after tax earnings if such an event was to occur. It does not hurt to make this clear within the contract, even if discussed verbally during the creation of Section 32. Of further concern is that Section 26 places arbitration in the hands of organisations that are heavily influenced by the USA, and, given the influence that ExxonMobil’s ex CEO has in Washington DC, could make the favourable resolution of such a dispute tenuous at best. It should be noted that Section 26 also impacts any dispute associated with the abandonment programme and its corresponding budget. Thus the terminal value of the contract could be negatively impacted in a significant way. Mitigation of this risk could be achieved if this portion of the development plan is clearly outlined in the annual review with a clear understanding of the associated costs, thus also helping in clarifying long term profitability prospects. Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Saving green spaces: We have to save our city from callous hands DEAR EDITOR, Several events over the last year got me thinking in a deeper way about Georgetown’s green spaces, especially its trees. It began with conceptualising a 5-Year Strategic Plan for Constituency 14 which included the preservation of our green spaces and our trees. This was eclipsed by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Central Government’s Tree Planting Programme. And sadly, more recently, my thoughts turned to the brutality and ecological destruction of our green spaces in the city, the Bel Air Park Playground and the possibility of similar actions on the Farnum Playground. The Botanical Gardens has a catalogue of over two hundred and eighty eight plants, including numerous trees. My research yielded no such record for the city proper. At the city level, it is evident that we don’t have an appreciation for what Stephanie Marino’s article, “Two New Tools for Planning a Healthy Urban Canopy” points out, “Trees are a vital part of urban communities, providing social, environmental, and economic benefits”. There used to be a great tree in Georgetown where the monument to the conservation of sea turtles now stands in the vicinity of Pegasus Hotel; at least two huge trees fell on Main Street over the last year and I remember an-

other on Merriman Mall. Additionally, there used to be trees, among other places, around Bounty Supermarket on Orange Walk and Regent Street. After the store was rebuilt, the trees disappeared. And likewise many home builders rid parapets of trees, seeing them as obstructions, and with a chainsaw or cutlass, wipe out whole ecosystems. In Constituency 14, we used to have Eucalyptus trees lining Aubrey Barker Road. Now, most are gone. Similarly, last year, I came across a post on Facebook by the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council. The post read, “Why was the decades-old tree in Esplanade Park cut down?” It went on to state, “the tree was infested with bees, and sessions at the High Court and at the All Saints’ Primary School were frequently interrupted when the insects became agitated. Athletes who use the Park on a daily basis were also affected.” The M&TC granted permission to the Region 6 R.D.C to cut down the tree since hives were discovered in the hollow trunk of the tree. It was such a noble gesture by the municipality to think of the welfare of its citizens but I keep wondering, in the delicate ecological balance that is life, if more could not be done to save the tree. The vital important of trees is outlined in another digital article by Nicole

Peterson, “How Climate Benefits from Trees Scale with Cities”. It informs us, “Trees influence meteorological and climatic effects at all scales of a city, from pocket parks to entire neighborhoods. However, while research has been done on the effect of trees canopies on urban environments, in general, we are only now beginning to understand how urban canopies affect climate at all scales of the city – from an individual building to a street, park, overall pattern of land use and finally, the city as a whole.” It continues, “This is the perspective taken in a recent paper by T.R. Oke titled, “The Micrometeorology of the Urban Forest,” where he examines the ability of the urban forest to create microclimates that directly affect the residents of a city and the spaces they inhabit. Oke argues that the microclimate created by street trees is imperative to good urban design. But in order to implement it in our designs, we need to better understand the implications of scale.” We have to save our city from callous hands, people who pay only lip service to Government’s Green Agenda, who wouldn’t think twice to raze an urban forest to needlessly build a house or two for themselves. God save us, and help us save our green spaces. Sherod Avery Duncan City Councillor

Why is this private school doing this? DEAR EDITOR, I pen this letter with grave disappointment at the Management of the private school (name provided) that mey child attends. I would have done my research (liaising with other Private Schools and the GRA) regarding the advance payment of January to April School fees and the removal of VAT from School Fees effective January 1, 2018. Please note that when I pay school fees for my child in advance, it is at the request of the school for reasons of which I am not aware of… fair enough, school policies. Paying school fees in advance does not take away from the fact that that particular school’s fees become effective from when the school term commences. The January to April school term commenced on January 8, 2018, when the school fees paid would have taken effect. This would therefore mean that the VAT included in advance school fees also takes effect

from January 2018. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority personnel and their website, all VAT for January 2018 is payable on/before February 21, 2018. Also, it annotates that advance payment of fees does not warrant collection of taxes for fees that are effective in January 2018. This would mean that one would have to exhaust the month of January before taxes are collectable. Now, I’m appalled by the flimsy excuse (Please don’t belittle my intelligence) made by the school’s Accountant (during a school meeting) that advance fees were already paid to GRA. One does not need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that that excuse is quite unacceptable, bearing the facts

I just stated earlier. However, that’s the least reason why I am disappointed. Some people choose to believe that Private School is a luxury (every man to his own opinion) but I know to most it is a huge sacrifice, knowing the situation of the current public schools and the country. (Continued on page 6)

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Tuesday February 06, 2018

Guyana is a nation that died 50 years ago and is just waiting to be buried DEAR EDITOR, Last week, I visited a city bank at 1 p.m. - just after lunch. I met a line with just six people but only one staff member was working. I counted 10 teller stations but that one staffer was working even after 20 minutes. I saw lots of other employees walking about in the bank gaffing and just idling away, but the remaining nine stations were empty until the bank closed at 2 p.m. I took 35 minutes in a line with just six persons. If all the stations were occupied, I would have taken less than five minutes to just make a deposit. From my observation in all the banks in Guyana, they are all basically the same. Inefficient and incompetent staff fills them just to waste the citi-

zens’ time; their managers and CEOs need to be fired. After the bank, I hurried to the Commercial Business and Deeds Registry just to uplift a document I filed the week before. I saw a security lady just sitting and there was no order, people just came and forced their way into the line to file and uplift documents. They have no proper numbering system or any decency and order. That place falls under the Ministry of Legal Affairs. I saw just one lad busy doing most of the work, while the other staffers were just sitting and eating, gaffing, laughing and chewing gum. I even saw one staffer just talking loudly on her phone on speaker while over 40 others and I were waiting for them to

go occupy their booths. I asked the security guard, what was really going on? She told me to sit for one staff to come to booth 2. I sat waiting. One staffer came and spoke with a girl twenty minutes and left the booth, never to return. I was still waiting, when I saw the person who handled my documents the week before. I called her and she took my slip and gave me my document in two minutes. A simple procedure that supposed to take just two minutes cost me 65 minutes of waiting. In my personal opinion, more than half the staff at the Business and Commercial Deeds Registry should be fired. It’s a waste of space people obtaining the government’s money by false pretence or just being square

Venezuela must respect ... from page 4 by arbitration in Guyana’s favour. The fact that the Geneva Agreement was signed in February 1966, even before Guyana became independent, further negates Maduro’s claims as an affront to the sanctity of independent nations and emancipated countries. Guyana entered the agreement as a sovereign and independent country, alongside the United Kingdom and Venezuela. This case is of paramount importance and international significance, and the future of world peace depends heavily on its outcome. Maduro’s regime and predecessors have hounded the territorial and sovereign rights of Guyana for too long, increasing their acreage of land with each successive claim. His outrageous claim is only matched by his apparent insanity and greed, and his desperate attempts to deflect his own incompetence while inflicting immense hardships, food shortages, economic recession and poor economic policies on Venezuelans by his regime. The recent discovery and exploration of more offshore natural resources in commercial oil and gas in Guyana’s territory has only fueled his avarice and illicit devices,

contrary to the Geneva Agreement that “no new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in those territories, shall be asserted while this agreement is in force…” All Guyanese, the Commonwealth, the Caribbean, the United Nations and all countries, wherever and however situated, who treasure and respect the rule of law, peace and democracy, and the sanctity of all nations, however small or large, must unite and fight Maduro and his demented agenda to steal part of the Land of Many Waters and Six Peoples. The issue is bigger than all of us, and has already been determined in accordance with the dictates of international law and binding arbitration. The ICJ is the foremost forum to adjudicate territorial and maritime issues between nations, and will follow precedent in international law that all countries’ independence and rights must be respected. In any endeavour, Guyana has a winning case, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s diplomats will be severely challenged. Meanwhile, Maduro must provide his suffering masses with the basic necessities of food and water, rather than picking fights and mongering war. Venezuela is now impoverished, despite being a major oil producer, and is suffering food and medicine shortages brought on by the recent period of low oil prices, declining production, corruption and economic mismanagement. It is being pillaged by hyperinflation and teetering on the brink of outright default.Maduro’s policies

have also increasingly isolated the country internationally. The US and European Union have imposed sanctions on him and his officials, and Washington has unreservedly categorized him a tyrant.With reference to the tenets of international law, the ICJ can only rule that Venezuela is acting disgracefully, arbitrarily and illegally. If Venezuela and Maduro cannot abide and respect the decision of the World Court, then they must bear the consequences of being deemed thugs and outlaws, and brought into line with international norms and consequences, not least in deeming Maduro a war criminal. Venezuela’s ousted chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, has already called on the International Criminal Court to capture President Maduro and charge him for crimes against humanity. After breaking with the Maduro government, she appeared at The Hague where she filed a complaint; based on the 8,290 deaths she says took place between 2015 and 2017 at the hands of officials who received instructions from his government. Venezuelans must hold him accountable, or send him packing. Maduro, 70 % of your people want you gone! Although your country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with oil and related products constituting threequarters of Venezuela’s exports to the European Union, you ran Venezuela into the ground. Your constituents crave a better standard of living than another country’s realty. They want food, not land. The writing is on the wall. Guyana, and its allies, will be united against your evil agenda, and will defeat you. Albert Baldeo

pegs in round holes. I then proceeded to the GTM office after that boring and despicable experience. I was the only person there just to pay a premium. The staff there just looked at me with disdain and said nothing, until I called and made some noise. A young female staffer came and dealt with my payment. I took another 35 minutes there. When I observe all the incompetence at most offices in this country, I am flabbergasted at these people who are working in these institutions and establishments. Real leadership is about putting others before ourselves, but it seemed to me that people just show up to work just to collect a salary at the end of the month that they

never worked for. If this government is employing staff to work, then they must work for their money and don’t idle. In most offices I have visited, I have seen long, stagnant lines until you are told to come back another day. I waited nearly two hours not long ago at GRA then was told to come back another day because their printer ran out of ink. What nonsense! They are supposed to have replacement cartridges of ink in abundance. But again, I must repeat myself, the not so educated have risen to power, no wonder we have so much migration, unemployment, crime, suicides and moral degradation all over this nation. Guyana needs young, competent and efficient

people to lead this nation or we will be a nation left a million miles behind our CARICOM neighbours. In Trinidad, you can get your Birth Certificate the same day in minutes; here you have to wait months and years. In Suriname, I get my ID card in 5 minutes; here it is months and years. Where are we heading as a nation? If we can’t evaluate simple staff performance at our offices then how are we going to manage this whole nation? What I see here is a lack of vision and proper administration to govern this nation. Guyana is a nation that died 50 years ago and is just waiting to be buried. Yours truly, Rev. Gideon Cecil

The fact of the matter is the... From page 5 the Minister may not delegate but “shall” maintain the Authority and responsibility for. Well! Well! This is quite incredible. 11. The arbitration provisions of the agreement are clearly drawn up by Exxon/Esso in favour of Exxon/Esso. It provides for arbitration of any dispute to the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). If ICSID refuses to entertain the request; this goes to UNCITRAL a body of the United Nations. If and when this happens, the American Arbitration Association shall administer the Arbitration and Act as the appointing Authority. How nice? This is what Trotman, a trained Lawyer signed to. The above stated items are only a few of the illegalities and absurdities mentioned. There are many more and these will be enumerated in due course. In his column of January 28 Dr. Thomas, states that “much of Guyana’s debate has been sterile bickering and unconstructive” be-

cause of an absence of “coherent appraisal framework.” Such anonymously targeted, generalised criticisms are improper, unprofessional and unbecoming of a respected national scholar. Thomas debases a major national issue by attempting to denigrate Guyanese who try to fill in missing gaps by provide information and clarity in simple non-professional language. The fact of the matter is the contract is a bad one. It is also illegal, having been constructed “outside of the law.” And by the way, Professor, are you not aware that Section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act Chapter 65:05 states that “property in petroleum in Guyana is vested in the state and the “state” shall have the exclusive right of searching for and getting such petroleum”? Exxon/Esso and all the rest of them can only operate as agent, servant, employee or contractor of the Republic of Guyana. No one can search or get petroleum in Guyana by himself. Only the State can. That is the law. Ramon Gaskin

Why is this private ... From page 5 So just as how this school and parents were allowed to petition the removal of the VAT, it should be with the same deliberation that the school consider the parents, before making advance VAT payments to GRA after the removal of VAT was announced, during the budget reading period in the latter part of November 2017. And I quote Finance Minister Jordan, “In view of the representations made, I propose to remove the VAT on the provision of all educational services, with effect from January 1, 2018.” The Kaieteur Newspaper dated November 28, 2017 also had this announcement, so that the general public could be fully aware. Now, those parents who would like their refund of the

VAT paid in advance now have to run back and forth to claim that fee deduction from the GRA, when the school (if keeping their parents at heart) would have withheld those fees until further notice. It is very unfair that parents who would have paid fees by their requested deadline are the ones not getting back a refund as compared to those who would have made payments after January 2, 2018. Would this now warrant the payment of school fees when the term commences and no longer in advance? Finally, I am not a frequent church-goer but my child would quote songs and memory verses of the Bible that was learnt at the School. And by saying that it brings me to this, is the school being its brother’s keeper?

Is it looking out for those parents who don’t have $7,000-plus to give up on because of the hassle of getting it back from GRA? In this world, we already have enough problems to deal with, and it’s situations like these that make me wonder how many people actually save another person from unnecessary burdens/problems like this one. There is no way that I can begin to understand that the VAT removal announcement was made in November 2017 and the school is still taking my January to April 2018 fees and paying it over to GRA (when it is due February 21, 2018). That is the part I would not accept. So, maybe someone can clear this up for me as I stand corrected due to some ignorance on my part. Disillusioned Parent

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Infrastructural works will soon commence at West Dem. Hospital

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LAND FOR SALE Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Parafaite Harmonie main road 2.5M 1.4M 2M 3.5M, ten year up 3M Herstelling 3M Tuschen 5M. Call: 666-2326 De Groot Uitvlugt- $2.5M neg. Parafaite Harmonie- main road $2M Parafaite Harmonie- $1.5M Tel: 6976311

SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/6880009 LEARN TO DRIVE Ultraviolet Driving School is offering a 6 days driving lesson for $7,500. Come and enjoy it! Call 602-2583 C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. One (1) female german shepherd dog for sale, one year old: contact #619-9203 All size solar pannel & batteries lowest price guarantee. check us out @ Boodhoo’s General store @ Parika EBE. 1 long base canter, 4 ton GRR series, hydraulic tray lift, price 2.6million and 1 canter driver needed. #609-1040 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4matic SUV, like brand new, under 20,000 miles. Call: 6741781. Serious inquires only. 20 acres of farm with bearing citrus, coconut & avocado trees. Location: Linden Highway, contact #655-7933 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 1 Bedford model M truck with winch. 1 portable miller bobcat welding plant. #602-9496/ 6130152 Plant-closing down sale: potting soil, plant pot, flower plant at Garden Centre, Plantation Schoonard WBD #615-2346/627-3443/15001600 Flat concrete 3 bedroom house, fully grilled. Tuschen $8M. Tel: 669-7393/689-4713 Pups and dog for sale, for more information call: #2670205/670-4228

EDUCATION CXC adults classes (Business & Science subjects) Form 1-5 lessons, Grade 2-6 lessons (slow learners, personal tutor) #690-5008,618-0649

FOR RENT

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player. Keyfood McDoom.

1-1 bedroom apartment, 1- 2 bedroom bottom flat 1 furnished 3 bedroom upper flat. Uitvlugt Housing Scheme. Call: 698-2802, 6933340, 254-1801. 2 & 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments to rent, long & short term. #666-7820, 6911432 Business place/Store for rent, located at Grove EBD.Contact 684-6331 1 One bedroom apartment, Herstelling New scheme $30,000 per month. Telephone: 641-2311, 627-3882 Fully furnished apartment two & one bedrooms in Providence, apartment at Diamond East Bank Tel: 6721906/216-2299/682-6238 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- suitable for salon or office- Call today! 683-7954 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, W.C.B. 49ft x 10,314ft $20M Negotiable Contact 648-7109/686-4818 3- Storey commercial buliding, land size- 120ft x 60ft, building size- 62ft x 30ft, location- Lot 1486 Plot B, Herstelling East Bank Demerara. Contact: #609-3777/697-4557 Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land size 91x50 feet; house 40x28, 3 rooms, 1 self contained. Call: 718-213-6496/ 617-7691 House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 604-4909

Experienced curry cook, counter servers, drivers. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. 1 Porter to work on vehicle in the interior 18-25 years old #699-4718 Wanted land in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles or anywhere on the East Bank or West Coast Tel: 697-6311 Wanted experience hire car taxi driver at Ramada Princess Hotel. Tel: 265-7076. Cell: 6165419 Needed bartender/cocktail mixer & waitress, preferably from W.C.D or W.B.D. Tel: 6829457 Counter persons, Puri/Rotimakers. Apply @ Shantas 225 Camp St. (1) Manager to work @ Hotel/ Club on Essequibo coast, previous hotel management an asset. Contact: 500-5923, 676-8764/646-3675 Hire car drivers & contract car @ Gems Taxi Service # 2261200, 225-5075, 622-6413

VEHICLE FOR SALE F150 late model GSS series no problem lifted suspension for $2.4 million on best offer, excellent condition. Contact: 695-7676/676-3612 Allion, Premio, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 Fielder Wagon. Tel: 664-0802 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep 4WD Excellent condition $1.4M negotiable. Call: 609-7766/2258427 Unregistered Axela 2011 dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab. Call: 6175536

CAR RENTAL

Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379

PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Lessons: Phonics, reading & writing for kindergarten, Grades 1-5/ CXC English, Mathematics/Forms 1-5 lessons #690-9378/677-0296

DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

From page 9 meeting the challenges facing the health institution such as a lack of human resources, proper equipment maintenance, and drug procurement were highlighted among the department heads and the Minister. The administration has since begun to address and rectify these issues, the REO noted. Of the $1.270B approved, within the National 2018 Budget for the current expenditure of the region's Health Services programme, $379.65M was allocated for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies, whilst $42M was set aside for the maintenance of buildings. Last year, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, signed a US$17.5M line of credit with the Export/Import (EXIM) Bank of India to upgrade primary health care fa-

One Toyota car- Spacio PPP series, never in hire-silver. #254-0454

VACANCY Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy technician to work part time @ a reputable pharmacy Georgetown- Call: 227-0630 Driver from Age 22 and above, must have police clearance, for more info, call: 223-0090 Cook/Baker & Excavator operator for interior location. must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Cook/Baker & Excavator operator for interior location. must be experienced. Call: 6182020 Vacancy exists for one female 25 years + over to work at Del Ice Co. Must have Maths+English. Call: 2311408/642-9191. Experience bartenders and cleaners. Call: 225-8572 between 7 am to 9 am Vacancy exist for 1 Diesel mechanic & welder between the ages of 30-50 yrs. Contact: 623-8078/ 220-2034 Vacancy exist for 1 Office assistant must be computer literate, between the ages of 30-55 yrs. Contact: 623-8078/ 220-2034 Guards needed to work in a community at Providence, mail application, police clearance to PO Box 10908. TOLET

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St. Kindly call: 644-3555,6893462, . Serious enquiries only.

cilities. It is said that the funds are set to be used for the refurbishing of existing facilities and the construction of new buildings at the Suddie Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Bartica District Hospital in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). It will also be used to procure medical equipment to furnish the new and renovated facilities.

Financial constraints prevent... From page 17 Samuels, there are 75 inmates that are mentally unstable and considered vulnerable. Most of them were housed at the Camp Street Prison until the July 2017 fire. Authorities were forced to spread them around different facilities. He stated that most of the inmates should not be in prison because they require specialised treatment. “There are some persons who are naturally weak in terms of their muscular development and some of them in terms of their mind so when they are in prison the possibility of them being easily manipulated or forced to do things that are not right is quite possible and that is why the role of prison officers are so important in terms of ensuring those persons who are deemed venerable are not taken advantage of,” Samuels stated. Acting UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Ron Rimmer, said that the training is born out of a request from President David Granger to include the prison sector in the UK sponsored Security Sector Reform Review. “The training will also help the British High Commission fulfill its consular responsibility to any British national who may be imprisoned in Guyana,” Rimmer stated. Trinidadian Caroline Ravello, Director of “CreateBetterMinds”, is one of the facilitators for the oneweek training programme. She is assisted by UK consultant, Michael Hamilton.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Air strikes pound Syria’s last rebel strongholds, gas chokes civilians BEIRUT (Reuters) Warplanes launched heavy attacks on the two last major rebel-held areas in Syria, killing at least 29 people in the Ghouta suburb near the capital and choking people with gas in Idlib in the northwest, rescue workers and a war monitor said yesterday. President Bashar alAssad’s government has vowed to retake all of Syria from rebels who have lost large swathes of the territory they have held in a war now entering its eighth year. A years-long siege on the last major rebel-held area near the capital Damascus, the suburb of eastern Ghouta, has tightened in recent months. In the northwest, the government and its militia allies have been trying to advance in mostly rural Idlib, the last province still largely under rebel control. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said warplanes attacking eastern Ghouta near Damascus had struck the towns of Zamalka, Arbaeen, Hazza and Beitu Soua, killing at least 29 people. State media said rebel fighters shelling the government-held capital killed a woman. International concern

has been growing over the fate of eastern Ghouta, where residents say they have been running out of food and medicine. In the northwest, the other main battlefield in the war between Assad’s government and its main rebel opponents, bombing also intensified on Sunday night after rebels shot down a Russian warplane on Saturday. Rescue workers said at least nine people had suffered breathing problems from chemicals dropped from the air. Aid groups and rescuers said three hospitals had also been struck. The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a charity which supports hospitals in Syria, said its doctors in Idlib reported 11 patients “with symptoms indicative to usage of chlorine”. Two barrels containing chemical gasses had been dropped from helicopters on Sunday night, Radi Saad, from the chemical weapons team of the White Helmets civil defense group that operates in rebel-held parts of Syria, told Reuters. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the White Helmets and the U.S.-based Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations

(UOSSM) said healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria had been hit by air strikes. “With the majority of hospitals no longer operating in these areas, these latest attacks will deprive tens of thousands of life-saving care,” the ICRC said on Twitter. The Syrian government has consistently denied using chlorine or other chemical weapons during Syria’s conflict. Rescue workers and medical groups have ac-

cused government forces of using chlorine gas against the rebel-held eastern Ghouta at least three times over the last month, most recently on Thursday. “ABHORRENT ACT” Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons arsenal in 2013. In the past two years, a joint inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has found the Syrian government used the nerve agent sarin

and has also several times used chlorine as a weapon. The inquiry also said the Islamic State group has used sulphur mustard. The United States and Russia clashed at the U.N. Security Council on Monday over the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Washington accused Moscow of shielding Assad from accountability; Moscow accused Washington of slandering Russia. The German government

called on Monday for a thorough investigation into reports Syria had used chemical weapons in both Idlib and eastern Ghouta. “If it is confirmed that the Syrian government has once again used chemical weapons, that would be an abhorrent act and an egregious violation of the moral and legal obligation to avoid the use of chemical weapons,” a German foreign ministry official said. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week that the Syrian government had repeatedly used chlorine as a weapon, and Washington was also concerned about the potential use of sarin. The Syrian civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and driven more than 11 million from their homes. Neighbors and global powers have been drawn into the multi-sided conflict, sponsoring allied groups on the ground. Turkish forces are in northwest Syria, entering Idlib under a “de-escalation” agreement reached with Assad’s backers Russia and Iran. They also expanded their operation two weeks ago into the nearby Afrin region to fight against Kurdish militias who hold that territory.

Cash or custody: Israel kicks off deportation of African migrants TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israel has started handing out notices to 20,000 male African migrants giving them two months to leave the country or risk being thrown in jail. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is offering the migrants, most of whom are from Sudan and Eritrea, $3,500 and a plane ticket to what it says is a safe destination in another country in sub-Saharan Africa. The fate of some 37,000 Africans in Israel is posing a moral dilemma for a state founded as haven for Jews from persecution and a national home. The right-wing government is under pressure from its nationalist voter base to expel the migrants, while others are calling for them to be taken in. The government says the migrants are “infiltrators” looking for work rather than asylum, but there is a growing liberal backlash against the plan, including from rabbis, a small group of survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and ordinary people who say Israel should show greater compassion to the migrants. The first eviction notices were handed out on Sunday and job advertisements for immigration inspectors to implement the deportation

African migrants wait in line for the opening of the Population and Immigration Authority office in Bnei Brak, Israel. REUTERS/Nir Elias plan have been posted on government websites. Rights groups advocating on behalf of the migrants say many fled abuse and war and their expulsion, even to a different country in Africa, would endanger them further. The deportation notices do not name the country migrants will be flown to but Netanyahu has said it will be a safe destination. Rights groups have named Uganda and Rwanda as possible host countries.

In a poor neighborhood in the south of Tel Aviv that has attracted thousands of African migrants, shops are dotted with signs in Tigrinya and other African languages while abandoned warehouses have been converted into churches. BACKLASH BUILDING Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said Israel’s first obligation was to its own citizens, rather than the migrants. “They are not numbers, they are people, they are hu-

man and I am full of compassion and mercy,” Deri told Army Radio. “But the small state of Israel cannot contain such a vast number of illegal infiltrators.” But opposition to the plan has been building and some Israelis are now offering to take migrants at risk of expulsion into their homes. On Thursday, a group of 36 Holocaust survivors sent a letter to Netanyahu asking him not to deport the migrants. The U.S.-based Anti

Defamation League has also urged Israel to reconsider the plan, citing “Jewish values and refugee heritage”. Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement the issue required “as much compassion, empathy and mercy that can possibly be marshalled. The experiences of the Jewish people over the ages underscore this commitment.” Rabbi Susan Silverman has launched a campaign called Miklat Israel (Israel Shelter) for Israelis to take migrants into their homes. “It’s unconscionable for the Jewish state to deport people to harrowing vulnerability,” she said. Miklat Israel’s Rabbi Tamara Schagas said 600 Israeli families had already signed up and the organization would begin to connect migrants with potential hosts this week. MORAL COMPASS The Supreme Court ruled in August that Israeli authorities can hold illegal migrants for up to 60 days in custody. Immigration officials have said women, children and men with families in Israel were allowed to stay for now, as was anyone with outstanding asylum requests.

Out of 6,800 requests reviewed so far, Israel has granted refugee status to 11 migrants. It has at least 8,000 more requests to process. Israeli authorities have said Israeli officials will keep in touch with migrants accepted in a third country to oversee their progress. Rwanda has said it will only accept migrants who have left Israel of their own free will. Nonetheless, the U.N.’s refugee agency has urged Israel to reconsider, saying migrants who have relocated to sub-Saharan Africa in the past few years were unsafe and ended up on the perilous migrant trail to Europe, some suffering abuse, torture and even perishing on the way. Rights groups in Israel say the government is simply ridding itself of people it should be recognizing as refugees in Israel and that there was no real guarantee for their safety. A fence Israel has built over the past few years along its border with Egypt has all but stopped African migrants from entering the country illegally. Beginning in the previous decade, when the border was porous, a total of 64,000 Africans made it to Israel though thousands have since left.

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAHO issues new guidelines on ethical treatment of humans in health-related research WASHINGTON (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says that after years of scientific research involving thousands of children who lost their lives to childhood leukemia – treatments are now available and this can be attributed to research. According to the regional health organisation, the vast majority of children with childhood leukemia today survives. “Doing research is the only way to discover the cure for a disease or the solution to a health problem,” said Carla Saenz, PAHO’s regional advisor on bioethics. “But the research is not done by researchers alone; it requires the generous contribution of people as participants. So, we have an obligation to ensure they are always treated ethically.” PAHO said all research that involves people must be reviewed and approved in advance by a committee that ensures that the proposed research is ethical. But PAHO said it is not always easy to determine what it means to treat people who participate in research in an ethical way, especially in low-resource settings. The Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS), founded under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), recently published a new edition of its International Ethical Guidelines for Healthrelated Research Involving Humans. PAHO said these are the most comprehensive, upto-date and detailed international consensus guidelines for human research. The first edition of CIOMS’ ethical guidelines for research dates back to 1982, PAHO said. Before that, it said CIOMS had ethical guidelines for biomedical research and others for epidemiological research. “However, the new edition of the guidelines covers all areas of healthrelated research involving human beings, whether they are directly involved—for example, in a clinical trial or study where the health of pregnant women in areas with Zika is monitored of pregnant women in areas where there

was Zika—or because the research uses clinical histories or tissues with individually identifiable data,” PAHO said. It said the new edition provides 25 guidelines and specific explanations that facilitate the understanding and implementation of each one. There are a number of significant changes compared with the previous 2009 edition, PAHO said. For example, it said the new guidelines: Require that all research with human subjects have social and scientific value. “If a study does not have the potential to generate knowledge that would help improve the health and wellbeing of people, then it is not ethical,” PAHO said. It said the new guidelines emphasize lowresource settings, with the aim of facilitating an analysis that ensures that research is always fair towards the populations living in those contexts, for example, by providing them with medicines or interventions that result from the research. The guidelines specify that these conditions are not limited to low-income countries but can be found even in high-resource countries. The new guidelines introduce the concept of broad informed consent, “so that those who participate in research can authorize the use of their biological materials and related data in future research. “The importance of being able to give informed consent for future studies arose in the context of the Ebola outbreak,” PAHO said urging the use of broad informed consent during the Zika outbreak in the Americas, including the Caribbean. PAHO said the new guidelines also include “a

guideline for community engagement, that is, a way to ensure the relevance of the proposed research to the affected community, as well as to show respect to communities, their traditions and norms and to gain their acceptance.” Additionally, the new guidelines redefine the concept of vulnerability, “so that it is not a simple label for entire groups of people but rather facilitates an analysis of the specific characteristics that can make people or populations more vulnerable to harm when they participate in research,” PAHO said. It said this approach to vulnerability allows ethics review committees to make a “more detailed analysis and to be better able to protect vulnerable people, rather than simply excluding them categorically from research, as has traditionally been done with the aim of protecting groups that are considered vulnerable (such as children and pregnant women).” PAHO said these categorical exclusions have led to a scarcity of evidence on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that affect these groups; the CIOMS guidelines emphasize that this inequity must change. The new guidelines revise the approach to research with pregnant women to allow a more detailed analysis of the conditions needed to protect pregnant women, while also promoting research that involves them, PAHO said. “These guidelines show the way the right way to conduct ethical research in health, the only acceptable way to produce discoveries that improve people’s health and well-being,” said Saenz, who was among the bioethics experts who contributed to the revision of the new guidelines.

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Tuesday February 06, 2018

Venezuela announces 99.6 percent devaluation of official forex rate

A woman walks by banners of Venezuelan bolivar notes displayed at the Central Bank building in Caracas. REUTERS/Marco Bello CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s central bank yesterday announced a devaluation of more than 99 percent of its official exchange rate with the launch of a new foreign exchange platform, a move critics quickly said would not create a functioning currency market. The central bank said the first auction of its new DICOM system yielded an exchange rate of 30,987.5 bolivars per euro, equivalent to around 25,000 per dollar. That is a devaluation of 86.6 percent with respect to the previous DICOM rate and 99.6 percent from the subsidized rate of 10 bolivars per dollar, which was eliminated last week. Venezuela is undergoing

a major crisis, with quadruple-digit inflation and shortages of food and medicine. Economists consistently describe the 15-year-old currency control system as the principal obstacle to functioning commerce and industry. The new rate is still dwarfed by the black market rate for greenbacks, currently at 228,000 bolivars per dollar according to website DolarToday, which is used as a reference. The existence of such disparate exchange rates has for years encouraged Venezuelans to buy dollars on the cheap and flip them on the black market for a profit. That has created

shortages of hard currency, which in turn fuels shortages of imported products such as food and medicine. The government has repeatedly created foreign exchange mechanisms similar to DICOM, but business leaders say they never provided a steady supply of hard currency. The government would repeatedly end up shuttering the foreign exchange platforms in part because maintaining an exchange rate so divergent from the black market rate proved to be unsustainable. “If the exchange rate is imposed arbitrarily, it will perpetuate the crisis,” wrote Alejandro Grisanti of local consultancy Ecoanalitica on Twitter.

Jamaica’s Central Bank issues warning on virtual currencies KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) yesterday cautioned consumers about the use of “virtual currencies” even as it acknowledged reports of investments in virtual currencies and the use of these types of instruments for the settlement of economic transactions.“In light of these reports, the bank is advising the public to exercise caution in the use of virtual currencies (cryptocurrencies) given the associated risks and the absence of appropriate governance and consumer protection arrangements,” the BOJ said in a statement. A virtual currency is a digital currency in which

encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank.The BOJ said while it is committed to the process of facilitating the enhanced use of technology in the provision of financial services, it wants to also “preserve the financial and payment system stability.” The Central bank here said that although virtual currencies with block chain as the underlying technology may have benefits, such as the potential to promote financial inclusion. It urged customers to take into consideration that virtual

currencies are not legal tender in Jamaica and that the BOJ neither issues nor backs virtual currencies. It said virtual currencies are not foreign currencies as there is no monetary authority that issues or backs them and that the BOJ “does not regulate or supervise virtual currencies. “Bank of Jamaica has not authorised any entity to operate a virtual currency platform. Transactions in virtual currencies, such as bitcoin, are susceptible to abuse by criminals and may facilitate money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” the BOJ said in the statement.

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

CARIFORUM states to build capacity to respond to drug problems (CMC) Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) officials will meet in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to discuss the seventh round of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) process. The meeting tomorrow will be followed by the two-day training workshop on Thursday bringing together senior policy-makers and technical staff from a number of line ministries in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the establishment of its National Drug Council and on the MEM. MEM is a process designed to measure the progress of actions taken by OAS member states to address the drug problem. The use of illicit drugs continues to rise in CARIFORUM countries and a review of the MEM points to a lack of institutional capacity. A C A R I F O R U M Secretariat statement noted that the technical meeting and the training workshops are part of the response under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Crime and Security Programme between the European Union and

CARIFORUM. It said the Drug Demand Reduction component of the programme seeks to strengthen institutional capacity of national and regional drug demand reduction entities and practitioners to effectively develop strategies and implement policies and programmes in CARIFORUM. “The meetings and workshops are specifically aimed at strengthening national capacity and systems for monitoring and evaluation,” the Secretariat said noting that as a result among the objectives will be foster a deeper understanding of the MEM process, particularly its seventh round which commence in 2018; outline the impact on the design and implementation of hemispheric drug policies;

provide a forum where the Caribbean countries can discuss areas of interest in counter drug efforts within the region and feasible areas of cooperation. A number of regional and international agencies and bodies have partnered to hold these events which target permanent secretaries and technical officers from the government ministries and agencies, national coordinating entities and other technical persons engaged in illicit drug matters. Partners include the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community in collaboration with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the European Union, Organisation of American States/ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD).

EU looking to change structure of agreements with ACP countries The European Union (EU) is seeking to establish separate arrangements with members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group, as it prepares to enter into a new partnership agreement with these countries. Director General for International Cooperation and Development in the European Commission, Stefano Manservisi, says this would represent a shift from finance-focused arrangements under the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, which expires in 2020. According to him, it’s not a negotiation about money

but about relationship. Manservisi was delivering a lecture at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies in St Andrew, last week. He explained that while the intention is to maintain the relationship between the EU and the ACP as a whole, the plan is to develop three pillars which would consist of different agreements between the EU and each of the regions in African, Caribbean and Pacific grouping. The Director General said there can now be a modernised partnership which is focused on all parties’ common interests

and values which will go beyond development policy only. He argued that the EU, under its new partnership, particularly with the Caribbean, is seeking to benefit from the rich human capital and culture in the region. The Cotonou Agreement is the overarching framework for EU relations with ACP countries.It was adopted in 2000 to replace the 1975 Lomé Convention. It is the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU, covering the EU’s relations with 79 countries.

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Tuesday February 06, 2018

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Jennings hundred keeps Lions a float

Playing for West Indies the... From page 31 the bigger stage. “It’s about my self-performance, and about selfbelief, going out there and trying to perform for Trinidad and Tobago; once I can do that, I will be available for West Indies again.“I think playing for West Indies is the ultimate goal. I think you have to enjoy cricket, no matter where. So I will see how these [domestic] games go in the 50-over [format] and if I am comfortable and enjoying it, why

not.”the bigger stage. “It’s about my self-performance, and about self-belief, going out there and trying to perform for Trinidad and Tobago; once I can do that, I will be available for West Indies again.“I think playing for West Indies is the ultimate goal. I think you have to enjoy cricket, no matter where. So I will see how these [domestic] games go in the 50over [format] and if I am comfortable and enjoying it, why not.”

Hampshire beat Marooners by four runs – Group A BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Hampshire CCC defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges by four runs, in the day/night 14th match of the Regional Super50 at Kensington Oval here yesterday. Scores: HAMPSHIRE CCC 152 off 42.3 overs (Bradley Taylor 69, Thomas Alsop 31; Yannick Ottley 3-33, Jermaine Levy 2-23, Vikash Mohan 2-23).MAROONERS 148 off 46 overs (Vikash Mohan 40, Kerron Cottoy 30 not out; Bradley Wheal 3-39, Asher Hart 2-34, Fidel Edwards 2-36).

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Kaieteur News

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Test opener Keaton Jennings warmed up for the “Test” series against West Indies A with an unbeaten hundred but England Lions’ batsmen struggled on the opening day of their threeday tour match against a Jamaica XI here yesterday. The left-hander, skipper of the touring side, struck 129 not out as Lions declared their first innings on 263 for eight after they were sent in. Alex Davies, batting at number eight, gathered a breezy 53 to rally the lower order. Fast bowler Reynard Leveridge (2-23), leg-spinner Damion Jacobs (2-63) and offspinner Jamie Merchant (269) all finished with two wickets apiece. Lions had hit back strongly at the close, however, with seamers Jamie Por-

ter (2-11) and Toby RolandJones (2-19) both claiming two wickets apiece to reduce the hosts to 36 for four. Kennar Lewis showed some resistance with five boundaries in 22 from 26 balls before becoming the final wicket of the day. Jennings had earlier taken centre stage as his teammates floundered around him, failing to make the most of the outing. All told, he faced 207 balls in just under 5-1/2 hours at the crease, and struck 13 fours and two sixes. Jennings posted 40 for the first wicket with Haseeb Hameed (18), 35 for the third wicket with Liam Livingstone (11) and a further 37 for the sixth wicket with Ben Foakes (18).However, with Lions struggling on 159 for six, it was a 97-run, seventh wicket stand between Jennings and

Bach hails... Tuesday February 06, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You might discover that someone close to you, a family member perhaps, could use a hand today, Aries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Consider channeling your philosophical inspirations into some creative writing, Libra. You’ll certainly enjoy this type of activity.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) When was the last time you used a pen and paper, Taurus? In this age of computers, the keyboard has all but replaced these wonderful tools.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Taking care of your emotional well-being is critical, as you have a deeply sensitive nature. With continuous activity around you, there's no time to connect with this part of you. Make time today.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) verbal communication is also more likely to be effective. Consider seizing this energy by making a point of talking through any problems or issues you have with those in your life. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't be surprised if you find your mind going a thousand miles a minute today, Cancer. Slowing down will likely elude you and you’ll have to find one means or another to express what's racing around in your head. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Welcome to another great day, Leo. The energy from the day's aspects is positive and encouraging when it comes to communication and interaction with others. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might find yourself really interested in getting out and doing something today, Virgo. And why not? It can’t be too difficult to phone a few friends and arrange to get together

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you may want to go your own way regardless of what someone else wants, Sagittarius. Your independence is very important to you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today may well find you in the mood to head out on a venture or visit someone, Capricorn. When was the last time you took a day for something like this? Chances are it's been too long. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Serious thinking and communication will be enhanced today, Aquarius. These are strong qualities for you anyway, and with this added boost, you'll need to have a place to express yourself. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might feel cornered into doing something you just don't want to do today, Pisces. Perhaps you made a promise to handle a project

From page 35 The talks between Koreas on the Olympics have brought some respite from the standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. North Korea are sending 22 athletes to compete in Pyeongchang, including 12 ice hockey players who will form a joint team with the South.It will mark the first time the two Koreas will compete as a unified team at the Olympics but the decision has been met with anger from some South Korean athletes, while an online petition against the move garnered tens of thousands of signatories. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the atmosphere on the peninsula had brightened significantly thanks to the approaching Olympic festival of sport. “One or two months ago, many countries worried over safety at the Pyeongchang Olympics,” Moon said. “For many, North Korea participating in the Olympics or a peaceful Olympics where North and South Korea forming a unified team seemed impossible. “However, those worries have disappeared and what seemed impossible is now a reality.” Hopes that the Olympics could prove a springboard to serious dialogue between the two Koreas during the Games received a boost earlier yesterday with news that North Korea’s ceremonial leader is to make an unprecedented visit to South Korea this week. North Korea’s official KCNA news agency confirmed that Kim Yong Nam would attend the Pyeongchang Olympics’ opening ceremony on Friday.

Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs… snatched two wickets. Davies which lifted the innings. Davies faced 80 deliveries and struck eight fours before falling lbw to Jacobs. Scores: LIONS 263 for eight decl. (Keaton Jennings 129 not out, Alex Davies 53;

Reynard Leveridge 2-23, Damion Jacobs 2-63, Jamie Merchant 2-69). JAMAICA XI 36 for four (Kenar Lewis 22; Jamie Porter 2-11, Toby Roland-Jones 2-19).

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Vonn marches on, combined Korean ice hockey team loses, Stoch flying high BBC Sport - With the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang days away, BBC Sport brings a weekly round-up of the big stories in the build-up. Vonn hits peak form ALPINE SKIING: Lindsey Vonn cemented her position as a strong favourite for Olympic downhill gold by winning both races at the World Cup round in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Vonn’s pair of wins in Germany moved her to within five victories of Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time World Cup record of 86. The American 2010 Olympic champion missed the 2014 Sochi Games through injury, but has now won the last three World Cup downhill contests. In the final men’s contest before Pyeongchang, Switzerland’s Ramon Zenhausern claimed his first World Cup victory with gold in the parallel slalom event in Stockholm. World Cup leader Marcel Hirscher could only finish down in fifth. The women’s event, in the absence of dominant World Cup leader and Olympic favourite Mikaela Shiffrin, was won by Norway’s Nina Haver-Loeseth. IOC “disappointed” by lifting of Russian ban A decision to lift life bans for doping on 28 Russian athletes was “extremely disap-

pointing and surprising”, says International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach. Last week the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) overturned the suspensions of 28 Russians, and partially upheld 11 other appeals. The IOC has turned down a request for 13 of the 28 athletes cleared by Cas - and two coaches - to be invited to take part in these Winter Olympics. Joint Korean team makes debut ICE HOCKEY: The joint North and South Korean women’s ice hockey team played together for the first time, losing a friendly game against Sweden 3-1. Their first competitive match will take place next Saturday, when they face Switzerland. Stoch up for the Olympics SKI JUMPING: Kamil Stoch warmed up for the defence of his two Olympic titles by winning in Willingen, Germany, to move top of the overall World Cup standings. The Pole finished fourth and second in the two jumps to clinch the overall victory. The scheduled women’s World Cup event in Hinzenbach, Austria, was cancelled because of a lack of snow. Watabe too hot for rivals NORDIC COMBINED: Japan’s Akito Watabe ensured he will arrive in

Pyeongchang as the World Cup leader by claiming two podium finishes on home snow in Hakuba. Watabe ended the final weekend of Nordic combined pre-Pyeongchang action with a first and third-place finish to his name from the two large hill contests. The sport’s other dominant force this season, Jan Schmid, continues to lead the chase behind Watabe. The Norwegian also finished on the podium in both large hill contests in Japan taking one gold and one silver medal. Guay to miss Olympics ALPINE SKIING: SuperG world champion Erik Guay will miss the Winter Olympics with a back injury. The 36-year-old has struggled with a ruptured disc this season and has not raced since December. Hanyu to skip team event FIGURE SKATING: Yuzuru Hanyu will sit out the figure skating team event in Pyeongchang to avoid added strain on the ankle he injured last November, according to reports in Japan. The world and Olympic men’s champion, who is aiming to become the first man to retain the title for 66 years, has not competed since October. The figure skating team event begins on Friday, ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

No Pyeongchang invite for CAS-cleared Russians - IOC PYEONGCHANG (Reuters) - Fifteen Russian athletes and coaches who had their lifetime bans overturned by world sport’s highest tribunal will not be invited to this month’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said last week that there was “insufficient evidence” of anti-doping violations against 28 Russian athletes. Although it confirmed 11 others had committed doping offences, it reduced their lifetime Olympic bans to suspensions from this year’s Games in South Korea. The IOC banned Russia from Pyeongchang over “systematic manipulation” of the anti-doping system in Sochi but left the door open to athletes with no history of doping to compete as neutrals, officially known as “Olympic Athletes from Russia”.After the CAS decision, Russia’s Olympic Committee requested that 13 active athletes and two

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

who had become coaches be allowed to participate in the Feb. 9-25 Games. However, the IOC said in a statement that its Invitation Review Panel had “unanimously recommended that the IOC not extend an invitation” to the 15. It noted that CAS had yet to provide a “full reasoning” for overturning the bans and that there was evidence about the athletes that had not been available to the Oswald Commission, which conducted the investigation into Russian doping. “Following the detailed analysis conducted by the Panel, its members observed that there were additional elements and/or evidence, which could not be considered by the IOC Oswald Commission because it was not available to it, that raised suspicion about the integrity of these athletes,” the IOC said. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the IOC decision was shameful. “It was unfair and illegal,

BCCI’s site goes down after Lalit Modi fails to pay the bill ESPNcricinfo - In a bizarre turn of events, the BCCI website (www.bcci.tv) went blank on a memorable weekend for Indian cricket because someone failed pay the renewal fee for the domain registration. And that someone happens to be Lalit Modi, who’s been a personanon-grata for the BCCI for close to five years. The site went down while India’s Under-19 team was winning the junior World Cup on Saturday and the blackout lasted for nearly 24 hours, during which the seniors drubbed South Africa to take a 2-0 lead in the ODI series. And the BCCI officials could do nothing but wait because the domain is owned by Modi, who was banned by the board in 2013 and has been living in London since then as the various government agencies pursue cases of financial irregularities against him. The story dates back to 2007 when, in an illustration how the board operated then, Modi, who was then one of the board’s vice-presidents, registered numerous domains on behalf of the BCCI’s various properties including the IPL under his own name instead of BCCI’s. According to a BCCI official, Modi registered almost 100 domains and got the costs reimbursed by the board. Modi, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, denied that he had been reimbursed for the domains.* The money he got from the BCCI was solely for the third-party content that was hosted on the board’s website a decade ago, he said: “I got reimbursed only

for the content that was managed by a third party, which I had paid for.” According to Modi, in 2006 there was an offer made by a third party, which wanted to sell the domain name bcci.com. However the BCCI, Modi said, did not want to buy that domain. “Then they wanted use bcci.tv, which they are using. I pay for the servers. I am not taking their money. “I registered many, many website under my names. I paid for them, I ran them.” He pointed out that he had been in the business of buying and owning domain names well before he came to the BCCI. In 1997, he had bought the the domain name Indian Cricket League, which was eventually used by the unsanctioned T20 league owned and operated by the Zee Group. Modi said the BCCI has since approached him to buy the IPL website (www.iplt20.com) off him, but he refused to sell. “They can’t force me to sell my website.” Following the removal of Modi in 2013, the BCCI had approached the Bombay High Court to reclaim the domains while accusing Modi of breach of trust. The court said that pending a final decision, all the payments for the various domain accounts should be put on auto-renewal on a credit card owned by Modi. According to the BCCI official it was likely that Modi had changed the credit card and hence the payment was rejected. By late Sunday the website was functioning once again, although users continued to face issues outside of India.

The BCCI official said that as soon as a red flag was raised late on Saturday, it chased Modi, who assured it that the payment would be done. The board official also said without the court taking a final decision, the BCCI was helpless if any such issue flared up in future. “The court has said that till a final order is given on the ownership [of the BCCI domain names] Lalit Modi will need to provide for the services of the websites,” the official said. “So the onus to renew is on them [Modi].” Modi said this shutdown was merely a case of a clerical error: “It was not my payment. It was going through a subagent who had issues with his card.” Responding to the question of why he had registered the domains under his personal name, Mehmood Abdi, Modi’s legal counsel, accused the BCCI of not being proactive. “Lalit Modi reinvented BCCI in many ways,” Abdi said in emailed statement. “Digitalisation was one such sphere. While the then the mindset of BCCI functionaries was archaic vis a vis... avenues like domain names etc, Lalit Modi himself took the initiative and got host of domain names registered by him... Despite having been treated so unjustly by BCCI, Lalit Modi still keeps the domains alive and functional... “The domain was on auto renewal. Whereas, there was some payment gateway issue which has been resolved and the website is operational. BCCI should have been proactive to get this domain renewed well in time so as to avoid the glitch.”

Mitchell says Lewis an ideal choice for Windies manager Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RT) amoral and politicised,” the RIA news agency quoted him as saying. IOC President Thomas Bach said on Sunday the CAS decision was “extremely disappointing and surprising” and called for internal structural change at the court to allow it to “better manage the quality and the consistency of its jurisdiction”.On Monday, CAS President John Coates said it had taken note of Bach’s concerns and they would be examined.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has hailed the appointment of Rawl Lewis as the new manager of the West Indies senior team. While Cricket West Indies is yet to make a formal announcement, several media reports have said that Grenadian Lewis, a former West Indies and Windward Islands leg-spinner, has been appointed in the position for the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe next month. He replaces legendary former West Indies fast bowler, Joel Garner, who took up the position back in 2016. “We are pleased with this appointment and on behalf of

the government and people of Grenada, we express hearty congratulations to Lewis,” Mitchell said in a statement. “Lewis has been a symbol of discipline and a hard worker and motivator and we believe he would be a major source of much needed motivation for a battered side which lost the Test series in New Zealand 2-0, the ODI series 30 and the T-20 series 2-0.” The 43-year-old joined Cricket West Indies eight years ago as a project officer in the operations department, tasked with helping to manage the board’s plethora of regional tournaments. In 2016, he was named as team operations manager of the Windies squad for their

successful Twenty20 World Cup campaign. He has also helped to coordinate the regional umpires exchange programme along with also playing a key role in the preparation of programmes for the West Indies Under-19s. Mitchell, a keen cricket enthusiast, said Lewis’s competencies made him ideal for the new role. “All Grenada must be proud of this son of the soil who brings a wealth of playing and administrative experience to the regional set-up,” said the Caribbean leader. During his international career, Lewis played five Tests and 28 One Day Internationals.

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Ex-USA Gymnastics doctor gets up to 125 more years in prison for abuse CHARLOTTE, Mich. (Reuters) - Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to an additional 40 to 125 years in prison yesterday for molesting young female gymnasts, capping weeks of horrifying testimony from nearly 200 victims about his decades of abuse. Nassar, who previously received a 40-to-175-year sentence in Ingham County, Michigan, for sexual assault, was sentenced in neighboring Eaton County yesterday on a second set of charges. He is also serving a 60-year federal term for child pornography convictions. The doctor offered a brief apology to his victims yesterday, saying, “The visions of your testimonies will forever be present in my thoughts.” But Eaton County Circuit Judge Janice Cunningham said Nassar had again suggested in a pre-sentencing interview with authorities that his conduct was legitimate medical treatment. “I am not convinced that you truly understand that what you did was wrong, and the devastating impact that you have had on the victims, their families and friends,” she told Nassar. “Clearly you are in denial. You don’t get it.” As Cunningham delivered Nassar’s sentence yesterday, Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to make her

allegations of abuse public in 2016, smiled broadly and squeezed her husband’s hand. After Nassar was led out in handcuffs, a parade of victims lined up to hug and thank Denhollander. “I‘m just ready for it to be over,” Bailey Lorencen, who was abused by Nassar as a preteen gymnast, told Reuters. “It’s finally done.” “SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN” Athletes were drawn to Nassar for treatment due to his reputation as the go-to doctor for Olympic gymnasts. He disguised his digital penetration of victims as “intravaginal adjustment,” a legitimate treatment sometimes used to relieve pain. In both Ingham and Eaton counties, girls and women gave wrenching and powerful accounts of how Nassar abused them, sometimes with their own parents present in the exam room. Many said they spoke out to heal their own wounds and prevent future sexual abuse, many choosing to testify only after watching fellow survivors express a sense of catharsis. Friday’s hearing was briefly interrupted when Randall Margraves, whose three daughters were all Nassar victims, tried to attack Nassar in the courtroom before being tackled by officers. Prosecutors have said

Playing for West Indies the ‘ultimate goal’- Narine ESPNcricinfo - Sunil Narine has dismissed suggestions that he is not interested in playing for West Indies. The offspinner said that playing for West Indies remains an “ultimate goal” for him. Recently Narine, who has been working on his remodelled bowling action, told selectors he wanted to focus on his bowling and get his confidence back and hence he would not want to feature in the World Cup Qualifiers that will be played in March. Now Narine is playing for Trinidad & Tobago in the Regional Super50, the local oneday tournament, where he has been the second-highest wicket-taker. He has the best economy rate so far in the tournament (2.10) and also the best match figures of 5 for 10, which came against Combined Campuses and Colleges. Regardless of this form, Narine does feel he is not ready to bowl for West Indies in ODIs yet. While he played the solitary Twenty20 in England last September, the last time Narine represented West Indies in ODIs was in October 2016, in the UAE, against

Pakistan. Since then Narine has been busy playing domestic T20 leagues even while asking selectors not to pick him for ODIs. According to Johnny Grave, Cricket West Indies’ chief executive officer, Narine told the selectors that he is not yet fully confident about his bowling action, and would like to carry on working with specialist coach, Carl Crowe, on his action. Grave said he could understand Narine’s position and was willing to grant the player a bit more time. “It’s nothing like that [not wanting to play for West Indies],” Narine told Line & Length, a Barbados-based weekly cricket TV programme. “I just don’t want to rush back into international cricket and the 50-over game. I think I need to play some [domestic] 50-overs cricket, get accustomed again [instead of] rushing back and making a mess of myself.” According to Narine, he wanted to “enjoy” his game; that way he could build his confidence before returning to (Continued on page 29)

Larry Nassar there are approximately 265 known victims in total, including Olympic gold medalists like McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman. The scandal surrounding Nassar has reverberated far beyond the sports world, sparking various investigations into why the U.S. Olympic Committee, sport governing body USA Gymnastics, and Michigan State University, where he also worked, failed to investigate complaints about him going back years. High-level officials at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State have been forced to resign in recent weeks. The U.S. Olympic Committee has launched an investigation into its own conduct as well as that of USA Gymnastics. Cunningham noted the institutional failures that per-

mitted Nassar to continue molesting girls even after several victims allegedly told coaches, trainers, Michigan State and a local police department about his abuse. “It is unfathomable how many victims would have been spared had authorities acted upon the complaints received years ago,” she said. Many of the victims have filed lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and Michigan State, accusing them of ignoring complaints against Nassar. Denhollander harshly

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Chris Paul finished with 22 points and 11 assists as the Houston Rockets became the latest team to pummel LeBron James’ struggling Cleveland Cavaliers with a 12088 win on Saturday night. The Rockets did it without a big night from James Harden who finished with 16 points, while on the other side James had just 11 points and didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. Harden has been averaging 31 points a game this season for the Rockets, who won their fourth-consecutive game and their 11th in their last 13. Ryan Anderson stepped in with 21 points. Since losing at Golden State on Christmas Day, Cleveland have been humiliated in several matchups against top-level NBA clubs. They lost by 28 at Minnesota, 34 in Toronto, 24 at home to Oklahoma City, and now by 32 to the Rockets. The Cavaliers looked nothing like the team that has made it to the last three

NBA finals. “I’m lost for words,” James said. The defending Eastern Conference champs played their second game without injured all-star forward Kevin Love, who suffered a broken left hand earlier this week and could be out for two months. Isaiah Thomas scored 12 for Cleveland, who have lost 12 of 18 and don’t seem to have any answers on the floor for what ails them. “They should take us off every nationally televised game for the rest of the season,” said James. “We haven’t played good at all and we get our butts kicked every time we play on national television, so I’m at a loss for words.” In Denver, Nikola Jokic scored 19 points and added nine rebounds as the Nuggets came from behind to beat the Golden State Warriors 115-108. Denver rallied from a 12point deficit in the second half to hand the Warriors their second loss in three games. “For, us to come and get the defending world

From left: Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, and Gabby Douglas win gold in Rio. Raisman, Biles, and Douglas have said Nassar abused them. (David Ramos/Getty Images) criticized the university, which has moved to dismiss the litigation on grounds the school cannot be held legally liable for Nassar’s actions. “They have put institutional protectionism ahead and above the souls of little children,” she said. The school has expressed sympathy for the victims and vowed to cooperate with an investigation by the Michigan attorney general’s office. Larissa Boyce told her coach in 1997 that she believed Nassar’s actions were

wrong but she was warned to keep silent. She had been convinced his treatment was legitimate until the wave of allegations made her realize she had been right. “It took so long to get here because people don’t want to believe little girls,” she told Reuters after the sentencing. “It speaks to the power of power and friendship to protect criminals. Nobody wanted to believe Larry was like this. Now everyone knows.”

Rockets rout Cavs, Nuggets rally past Warriors champs was huge,” said Denver’s Gary Harris, who tallied 16 points. Wi l l B a r t o n h a d 2 5 points and Harris 16 for the Nuggets, who split the four games with Golden State this season. Kevin Durant scored 31 points and Stephen Curry had 24 for Golden State. “They hit some shots tonight,” Durant said. “We made plays, but down the stretch we couldn’t get it done.” In Detroit, Andre Drummond had 23 points and 20 rebounds, and Ish Smith tallied a season-high 25, including a clutch triple in the final minute, as the Detroit Pistons beat the Miami Heat 111-107. Blake Griffin helped offset a poor shooting night by making a key three pointer with 44 seconds remaining in the fourth. The 28-year-old Griffin, who spent all eight NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Pistons on Monday, missed his first five shots from beyond the arc before making one in the final minute. He fin-

ished six-of-19 from the field with 16 total points. The Pistons won their third-straight game since the trade and are 2-0 with Griffin in uniform as they pulled within a game of .500 with a 25-26 record on the season. Goran Dragic scored 33 points for the Heat, who have lost three in a row. Miami was missing centre Hassan Whiteside, who was sidelined with an illness. With the Pistons ahead by four and 44 seconds to play, Griffin hit a triple to give Detroit a 108-101 lead. Dragic responded with a four-point play, making a three-pointer while being fouled with 32 seconds left. Detroit ran the clock down and on the next possession Griffin found a wide-open Smith who sank his only three-point attempt of the game with 14 seconds left to restore the lead to six points. Elsewhere, Tobias Harris scored 24 points in his Clippers’ debut, leading Los Angeles to a 113-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

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GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 League – EBFA

Agricola’s Brian Lambert bangs 5 past Diamond United as they take over lead Agricola Red Triangle have maintained their unblemished record when they posted their third win in as many matches, a 7-0 whipping of Diamond United on Sunday last, day 5 action of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg of the GFF/ Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League. Playing at the Grove Playfield, Agricola subjected Diamond United to their second loss in as many matches. Grove Hi Tech were held to a 2-2 draw by Mocha Champs, the second draw in as many days for the Grove boys which resulted in them being overtaken by rivals, Agricola which has played one match less. Sunday’s matches saw two upsets with new comers Samatta Point Kaneville needling Soesdyke, while Diamond Upsetters edged Herstelling Raiders 2-1, the

latter was without their and the tournament’s leading marksman, Shoran James. Agricola’s Brian Lambert was the man on fire on the day as he hit in five (5) of Agricola’s goals in the 3rd, 8th, 36th, 52nd and 56th minutes, he has now taken his tally in the league to 7. Floyd Boyce supported with a goal of his own in the 16th minute, while Jamal Fiffe tucked in the other in the 30th minute. Grove Hi Tech, coming off a draw on Saturday with Samatta Point/Kaneville were hoping to nail full points against Mocha Champs but the Mocha lads fought back admirably twice to earn an equal share of the points. Grove’s Captain, Devon Padmore scored both their goals in the 17th and 27th minute, Mocha got their goals off the boot of Jermaine Harry in the 16th and Shemel Allen in the 20th minute. Diamond Upsetters were

in no mood to give Herstelling Raiders a smooth day at the office; they recorded their first points of the league after suffering two defeats. Mario Richards handed Diamond Upsetters the lead on 14 minutes but Damien Persaud responded in like manner for Herstelling in the 39th minute for an even first half. But with the game 43 minutes old, Upsetters regained the lead through Abdullah Amin’s goal which turned out to be the winning strike, Hamid was one of Upsetters’ leading players in the just concluded Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League. Samatta Point/Kaneville, riding high from their 1-1 draw with Grove on Saturday built on that high with a 1-0 win over Soesdyke Falcons; it was the latter’s third loss in as many games. Netting the golden goal was Matthew Austin in the 22nd minute.

Latest Points Standings Team Agricola Grove Samatta Point/KV3 Herstelling Mocha Timehri Friendship Swan FC Kuru Kururu Diamond Upsetters Soesdyke Diamond United

P 3 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 2

W 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 2

D 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F 12 9 5 19 4 2 5 2 2 2 2 1

A 2 4 2 7 4 2 4 3 5 5 7 20

D Points +10 9 +5 8 +3 7 +12 6 0 4 0 3 -1 3 -1 3 -3 3 -3 3 -5 0 -19 0

Linden Games set for February 9 – 11 With the aim of resuscitating sports tourism in Linden and promoting the development of Region 10 through sports, the Linden Youth Leaders Group under the patronage of Mayor Carwyn Holland, will be hosting the first ever, Linden Games, from February 9 – 11. The undertaking by the non-governmental organisation is also an effort to encourage fitness, healthy living, sports tourism, Linden’s hospitality and engaging their constituencies in celebrating Linden’s sportsloving town. The Linden Games will feature several disciplines and the town’s top sportsmen and women, while providing a platform to massively promote cohesion and sports entertainment in Linden. On Friday February 9, from 15:00 hours, the threeday event will start with an East versus West Table Tennis Championship at the Mackenzie High School Auditorium, followed by male and female cricket competi-

Mocha Champs and Grove Hi Tech (yellow) battling each other on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.

Action in the Magnum “Mash Cup” continues tonight with nine matches The National Gymnasium will be a hive of activity tonight with the Magnum “Mash Cup” futsal tournament which is set to resume for its second match night, featuring nine anticipated clashes. Some of the big teams in action tonight include Future Stars, Mocha, Sophia and Showstoppers. The Latest sponsor to come on board is STP Investment INC who would be sponsoring the third prize of $100,000. STP investment official, Amitabh Parshad, handed over the cheque to Legacy’s Lomel Johnson and Esan Griffith during a simple presentation at Oasis Café. The first place team will pocket $400,000, while second place will enjoy $200,000 and fourth finishers will pocket $50,000. Tonight’s fixtures are as

STP’s representative Amitabh Parshad (center) hands over the sponsorship ship cheque’s to Legacy’s officials Lomel Johnson (left) and Esan Griffith (right). follows: Kingston vs Buxton Diamond-19:00hrs Showstoppers vs Sophia19:20hrs Back Circle vs MBK19:40hrs Broad Street vs Albouystown-B-20:00hrs New Market Street vs

OlSkool Ballers-20:20hrs California Square vs Mocha-20:40hrs North East La Penitence vs Alexander Village21:00hrs Future Stars vs Champion Boys-21:40hrs NK Ballers vs Leopold Street-22:00hrs

Uitvlugt win Hamilton Green 9-a-side football tourney

Linden Games tion at the Bayroc Community Centre ground on Saturday February 10, starting at 10:00 hours. Also on Saturday, the town’s top basketball players, representing the communities located on the east and west of the Demerara River which flows through the town, separating the two sides, will square off in basketball at the

Mackenzie Sports Club at 20:00 hours. Apart from cycling, swimming, Track and Field, and dominoes, a football game between Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Botofago will bring the curtains down on the inaugural Linden Games.

Uitvlugt were crowned the Hamilton Green 83rd Birth Anniversary 9-a-side InterWard Football Champion, defeating Crane via penalty kicks, on Sunday. Locked 1-1 at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground, Uitvlugt prevailed from the penalty spot 2-1. In the prior semifinal round, Uitvlugt defeated Pouderoyen 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks, after normal time ended 1-1. On the other hand, Crane needled Tiger Bay 1-0. In the earlier quarterfinal section, Uitvlugt and Crane edged Sara Lodge and Soesdyke via 1-0 scorelines respectively.

Also, Pouderoyen defeated Plaisance 1-0, while Tiger Bay downed Crane Rovers 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks, after regulation time ended scoreless. With the result, Uitvlugt walked away with $70,000 and a trophy, while the loser pocketed $30,000 and a trophy. Ricks and Sari Food Hampers will also be presented to the champions alongside blankets from Food for the Poor, Guyana Incorporated. On the individual side, Esan Nelson of Crane copped the highest goal scorer accolade with six conversions and will receive a table set compliments of China Trading. Trayon Bobb of the even-

tual champions, Uitvlugt, was the second highest scorer in the event with two goals, and will pocket a ‘Lazy boy Chair’ from A.H. & L. Kissoon. Meanwhile, in the earlier Brian Tiwari Exhibition tournament, Zeelugt defeated Den Amstel 1-0 on sudden death penalty kicks in the finale, after normal time ended 1-1. Due to the outcome, Zeelugt walked away with $20,000. In the earlier semi-final matches in the section, Zeelugt defeated Wales 1-0, while Den Amstel downed Bagotville 1-0 on sudden death penalty kicks. All trophies were donated by the Trophy Stall.

Tuesday February 06, 2018

Narine, Lewis extend Red Force winning streak CAVE HILL, Barbados, CMC – A Sunil Narine hattrick and a typically exhilarating Evin Lewis hundred were all Trinidad and Tobago Red Force needed to brush aside the luckless Windward Islands Volcanoes by four wickets and post their third straight win of the Regional Super50. Chasing an unintimidating 223 for victory at 3Ws Oval here yesterday, Red Force reached their target in 40th over, with the opener Lewis stroking exactly 100 and fellow left-hander Amir Jangoo scoring 41. West Indies one-day vicecaptain, Jason Mohammed, saw Red Force over the line with an unbeaten 29, after they lost unnecessary wickets with victory already in sight. Red Force, who were crushed by title-holders Barbados Pride in their opening match almost a week ago, have now gone unbeaten since that debacle at Kensington Oval. Sent in, Volcanoes produced their best batting effort of the tournament – 222 all out off 48.3 overs – but it was not enough to prevent them suffering their third defeat in the trot. Their talisman Devon Smith broke out his rut to topscore with 68 while former Test batsman Kirk Edwards got 32, Andre Fletcher, 31, and opener Johnson Charles, 29 Once again, it was the exemplary Narine who starred

for Red Force, finishing with four for 25 from his 10 overs. With Volcanoes looking for a strong finish, Narine dented their hopes by picking up a hat-trick in the 46th over when he knocked over Kavem Hodge (9), Delorn Johnson (0) and Kesrick Williams (0) in successive deliveries. Hodge was taken at the wicket by Denesh Ramdin, Johnson was stumped off the next ball while Williams was trapped lbw, to have the dubious honour of being the hat-trick victim. Smith had earlier anchored three successive half-century stands to put Volcanoes in a strong position at 166 for two in the 37th over. The left-hander, short of runs in the tournament, faced 113 balls and struck just three fours as he first put on 65 for the first wicket with Charles before adding a further 51 with Fletcher for the second wicket. Charles faced 44 balls and counted four fours before perishing in the 17th over and Fletcher belted two fours and sixes off 41 deliveries before departing in the 28th over. Edwards then produced a fluent knock, carving out three fours and a six in a 25ball cameo, as he added an up tempo 49-ball 50 for the third wicket with Smith. However, once he and Smith fell in successive overs, Volcanoes collapsed badly, losing their last eight wickets for 56 runs. Leg-spinner Imran Khan

(2-25) and fast bowler Roshon Primus (2-59) finished with two wickets apiece. In reply, Lewis quickly took the game away from Volcanoes with his third consecutive score over fifty, smashing 10 fours and three sixes off 90 balls. More significantly, he propelled a 79-run first wicket partnership off 67 balls with Tion Webster (24) before putting on 85 for the second wicket with Jangoo, who faced 71 balls in a patient innings and struck just two fours. Lewis reached his halfcentury off 43 deliveries and brought up his hundred off 88 balls in the 27th over, with a single into the onside. Two overs later, he holed out to a brilliant running catch at square leg by Williams off left-arm spinner Larry Edward, who claimed four for 28. Eleven balls later, Nicholas Pooran (8) needlessly lofted Edward to Edwards at long on at 174 for three leading to a cluster of wickets, but Mohammed saw off the late Volcanoes challenge. Scores: VOLCANOES 222 off 48.3 overs (Devon Smith 68, Kirk Edwards 32, Andre Fletcher 31, Johnson Charles 29; Sunil Narine 425, Imran Khan 2-25, Roshon Primus 2-59). RED FORCE 226 for six off 39.2 overs (Evin Lewis 100, Amir Jangoo 41, Jason Mohammed 29 not out, Tion Webster 24; Larry Edward 428, Shane Shillingford 243).

Tour de France winner will race in Spain next week, despite UCI investigation BBC Sport - Chris Froome will begin his 2018 cycling season next week, despite being under investigation for the use of his asthma medication last year. Team Sky have confirmed the 32-year-old will be part of the line-up for the Ruta del Sol, starting on February 14. He will compete at the five-day race in Spain two years after taking the overall victory and a stage win. Froome returned an “adverse” drugs test at the Vuelta a Espana in September, but denies any wrongdoing. The four-time Tour de France winner, who says he has been training hard through January, added: “It’s been good to be out on my bike and to get the miles under my belt.” Team Sky confirmed in December that they were cooperating with an investiga-

tion by the UCI - cycling’s governing body - after it emerged Froome had double the allowed limit of the legal asthma drug salbutamol in his urine sample. “I’m confident that we will be able to get to the bottom of what has happened and I’m working hard with the team to do that,” Froome said ahead of his season opener. “Obviously I understand that this situation has created a lot of uncertainty. I completely get why there has been so much interest and speculation.”Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford added: “We all recognise that these are difficult circumstances but it’s important for all sides that this process is conducted fairly before a final conclusion is reached.” Froome could be banned if he fails to explain the test finding and could then face

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Chris Froome took the Vuelta a Espana title in September, during which he returned an ‘adverse’ test. (Getty Images) being stripped of his Vuelta title and two World Championship bronze medals, while he could also miss this year’s Giro d’Italia and be unable to defend his Tour title in July.

Andrea Foster recognised by Essex County College on NGWSD Guyanese middle distance runner, Andrea Foster, who is on scholarship at the Essex County College and aiming to graduate in June with an Associate’s Degree in General Science, continues to shine bright. Having been named the Cross Country of the Year athlete for 2016 and picking up a plaque as the Essex County College Women’s Cross Country Most Valuable Runner for the 2016/2017 season, Foster has now been recognised for her exploits in athletics and academics as part of the Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). During halftime of a basketball match at Seaton Hall University on Sunday last, the 20-year-old Foster, one of the honorees, was recognised. During last year, Foster was also awarded a plaque for being Essex’ 2016/2017 Women’s Cross Country Academic Scholar for her overall GPA of 3.85. She was also rewarded by way of another plaque from the US Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association as an All American (NJCAA) National Junior College Athletic Association Track and Field 800M stand out for the 2017 Indoor Track and Field Season. February 7, 2018 marks the 32nd Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The 2018 theme is

Foster (the certificate she received) “Play Fair, Play IX.” NGWSD is a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements in girls and women’s sports and the positive influence athletic participation brings to their lives. NGWSD recognises the ongoing effort towards equality and access for women in sports and the nation’s commitment to expand sport and participation opportunities for all girls and future generations. Play Fair, Play IX. In just 37 words, Title IX ensures that students receive educational opportunities free from discrimination based on sex. It’s a short and simple law, but it has truly changed the game for girls and women in sports. Although Title IX has expanded opportunities for female athletes, many schools

across the country still don’t provide equal opportunities for girls to participate in sports. The NGWSD Coalition knows that educating the public about the power of this legislation is critical to its enforcement. For more than three decades, NGWSD has empowered women and girls to get moving, embrace physical activity and push past their limits. The courage, confidence and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls need to become the strong leaders of tomorrow. Foster has expressed gratitude to her College and the NGWSD for recognising and rewarding her and has promised to continue to uphold a high level of discipline and commitment. (F. Wilson)

London to host inaugural eight-nation World Cup LONDON (Reuters) - A new World Cup event featuring eight leading athletics nations and intended to attract a wider audience to the sport will take place in London this year, British Athletics said yesterday. Britain and the United States will compete along with South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica in the inaugural World Cup from July 14-15 at London Stadium, venue for the 2012 Olympic athletics events and last year’s world championships. “This is one of the exciting innovative events we are seeing in our sport and our thanks go to British Athletics and the Mayor of London for creating it and hosting it,” International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe said in a statement. “We have 8 lanes, 8 top nations, 8 teams and a host

of world class athletes lining up in each event to win the trophy and prize pot. This will be a fast-paced and exhilarating experience for athletes and fans.” One male and one female athlete from each nation will be selected for every field event and each track race up to 1500 metres, with the total prize pot set at $2 million over two evening sessions. UK Athletics Chairman Richard Bowker said the World Cup event was an extension of the original idea to host a competition between Britain and the U.S. Because other countries were keen to become involved an eight-country format was devised to extend the sport’s reach to a new audience. “The two sessions will be in the evening, under lights with straight finals. There will be no heats or rounds so it should be even more exciting,” he said, adding that it

might become more than a one-off. “We hope this can become a major event. The best way to do that is to ensure the success of his first edition,” he said. Bowker defended the timing, which was criticised by British athlete Kelly Sotherton on social media for clashing with soccer’s World Cup final and Wimbledon tennis finals. “We were obviously aware of the dates,” said Bowker, pointing out that organisers were constrained by the stadium sharing arrangement with Premier League soccer club West Ham United. “There is limited availability. We know the World Cup Final happens in the afternoon, UK time, so we would say that everyone can come along afterwards. What a fantastic weekend of sport that will be.”

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Tuesday February 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

King of the Strip on this Mike’s Wellman claim Sunday at South Dakota Circuit Rubis Bel Air softball title

Drag racing action returns to the South Dakota Circuit on February 11 for the first ‘King of the Strip’ event. The event will feature nine classes of time bracket drag racing events, including an unlimited class and a superbike class. According to president of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Rameez Mohamed, plans are already on-stream to attract international competition. “We have been in talks with Suriname and we have competitors coming from

there for this event. The hype is building and we have a lot of cars coming out of this one,” he said. “We also have a lot of local grudge matches like the east side and west side battles and a lot of one-onone-jabs being thrown so we feel it’s going to be big,” he said.The time bracket system will remain the classing factor, according to Mohamed, with classes starting from 15 seconds all the way to nine seconds. Those cars with faster times will be thrown into the

unlimited class while the Bikes will be an open event with no classifications being conducted for them. Among the event’s sponsors are: Mohamed’s Enterprise, Tropical Shipping, Stag Beer, B.M Soat, Nexus Machining and Fabrication Workshop, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical, Palm Court, White Boy Auto Spares, Rent-a-tent, Windjammer, JR Burgers, Special Auto, Transpacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales and Ramchands Auto Body Shop and Detailing Center.

Mike’s Wellman were crowned champions of the Rubis Bel Air softball competition when they defeated Fishermen XI in the final which was contested on Sunday at Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo. Mike’s Wellman batted first and managed 117 all out in 15 overs. Nandram Samlall struck two fours and a similar number of sixes in a top score of 31, while Latchman Kallicharran made 20 with two fours and one six. D. Thomas picked up three wickets, while Raymond Harper and Ramo Malone had two each. In reply, Fishermen XI lost two early wickets before R. Persaud and Malone added 45 for the third wicket to steady the chase somewhat, but when they were both dismissed in quick succession, the innings went down hill as Fishermen XI were bowled out for 91 in 15 overs. Earlier, Fishermen XI beat Savage by eight wickets. Savage took first strike and made 94 all out with Unnis Yusuf scoring 40; Zameer Hassan claimed 4-6. Fishermen XI responded with 96-2 in 10 overs. Ramo Malone got 40 not out. Mike’s Wellman overcame Parika Defenders in a match which has to be decided by a super over. Batting first, Parika Defenders posted 188 all out in 20 overs. Shafeek Mohamed slammed 56 with four fours and four sixes, while Ucil Armstrong made 33 including one four and a six and A. De Roop got 29. L. Singh had 2-39. Mike’s Wellman responded with 188-6 in 20 overs. Lloyd Ruplall hit four fours and three sixes in scoring 48, while Wayne Jones made 24 and Greg De Franca 22. Devanan Kanan took two wickets. Parika Defenders made 14, while Mike’s Wellman responded with 18 in the super over. (Zaheer Mohamed)

The action promises to produce fast times and keen competition.

Formula One to use “Grid Kids” in place of female models LONDON (Reuters) - Formula One announced a new “Grid Kids” scheme yesterday to replace the female models who stood next to drivers’ cars before the start of every grand prix with aspiring young racers. The sport said in a statement that the arrangement, in partnership with the governing FIA, would “make the prerace ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, especially the younger ones”. Youngsters will be chosen by their national motorsport clubs on merit, or by lottery, from among those competing in karting or junior series. Last week’s decision to abandon the decades-old practice of using walk-on female models to parade and hold up drivers’ numbers on the starting grid has put the sport on the front pages of newspapers and divided fans. The sport said “Grid Kids” would be chosen at every grand prix and, where possible, the major feeder series. They will be accompanied by their immediate family who will have paddock access on Sunday. “Formula One is the pinnacle of motor sport and the dream of every young racer competing in the junior series

Mike’s Wellman skipper Wayne Jones accepts the winning trophy from Mrs. Neetu Persaud in the presence of his team mates.

Athletes and fans shiver at Winter Games Young fans watching the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. (Getty Images) that make up the FIA’s singleseater pyramid, from karting all the way to F1,” FIA president Jean Todt said. “We are therefore delighted to bring that dream a little closer by giving the future champions of our sport the opportunity to stand alongside their heroes on the grid in the build-up to the race start.” Formula One’s commercial managing director Sean Bratches said it would be “an unforgettable experience” for youngsters and their families. “An inspiration to keep driving, training and learning so that they can dream of one day being there themselves. What better way to inspire the next generation of Formula

One heroes,” he added. The FIA-sanctioned allelectric Formula E series already uses “Grid Kids”, having also phased out walk-on models, and a spokesman said last week that the concept was working well. Soccer fans are used to seeing players walk out accompanied by young children but Formula One grids are crowded spaces with mechanics working on the cars amid a throng of VIPs and media. Last month marked the completion of Liberty Media’s first year in charge after buying Formula One and ousting octogenarian former supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who has been critical of some of the changes made.

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - Sub-zero temperatures could be a real issue for visitors in Pyeongchang for this month’s Winter Olympics, but while Games fans shivered, athletes yesterday welcomed the cold. With freezing temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius in the day and around minus 20 (minus four degrees Fahrenheit) during the night it could prove challenging for the last week of preparation before the opening on Friday.In Pyeongchang, big coats, gloves and good shoes were a must to face the cold, enhanced by strong winds. One student from Seoul, on holiday with his parents, said even South Koreans weren’t used to such low temperatures.“It’s not usually this cold in this area in this season but very cold, I cannot even think of the words, I think my brain is frozen or something,” shivered student Kyungtae Lim, visiting from Seoul. “I‘m a little bit worried about Olympic players... many of the players are from not so cold countries so I don’t think they’ll perform very well, and I‘m also worried about the tourists.” On Friday, when the Games will be officially launched at the opening ceremony, spectators fortunate enough to have got a ticket will have to wrap up at the outdoor stadium at the Olympic Plaza where temperatures will be hard to sustain.But for the athletes, cold temperatures are good news as the snow and the

Use Pyeongchang Logo courses remain stable throughout the competition. “I‘m not (happy about the cold), like my body’s not,” smiled U.S. mogul skier Brad Wilson.“But as far as the conditions go, absolutely (I am happy), we’re in winter sports for a reason, when it’s cold like this it’s good, it’s a good thing, yeah. As long as we can stay warm.” “We haven’t had to deal with a ton of cold this year, it’s been pretty warm,” added U.S. mogul skier Jaelin Kauf. “It just means pack more layers... maybe do a lot extra warmup at the top of the course, but that’s about it.”